Medical marijuana has been researched and tested under the strictest settings, and is shown to offer various health benefits. While improving pain control is one of the most well known benefits, medical marijuana provides a variety of lesser-known benefits.
When exploring the potential benefits of medical marijuana, it’s crucial to work closely with a specialist. Board-certified in emergency and osteopathic medicine, James O. Hill II, DO, is an expert in medical marijuana benefits, and is dedicated to providing exceptional care to adults in the Port St. Lucie and Lake City, Florida, community.
Here are five health benefits of medical marijuana that you might not know about.
Medical marijuana has been shown to help manage autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids like THC and CBD help calm overactive immune responses.
In patients with MS, for instance, medical marijuana improves spasticity (muscle spasms), sleep, and reduces the need for opioid medication, according to research.
You may have heard about CBD’s role in treating epilepsy, but many are unaware of just how effective it can be. Studies such as this one show that medical marijuana, particularly CBD, can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in patients with certain types of epilepsy, including Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Epidiolex®, a CBD-based medication, for use in managing these conditions. For patients who haven’t responded to traditional anti-seizure medications, medical marijuana offers an alternative.
Research increasingly supports the benefits of medical marijuana for improving mood disorders, including anxiety, depression, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Medical cannabis significantly improved depression in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder, according to a peer-reviewed study published in 2024.
THC, in low doses, has been shown to help reduce anxiety and improve mood, while CBD has been found to have anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects.
For patients dealing with PTSD, medical marijuana can regulate mood and decrease the frequency of flashbacks, and anxiety episodes, according to research.
If you’re struggling with insomnia or other sleep disorders, medical marijuana may be of benefit. Cannabis, particularly strains rich in THC, have been shown to help patients fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Medical marijuana can improve overall sleep quality and reduce the number of times you wake up during the night, promoting deeper, more restorative sleep.
In addition to improving sleep, marijuana has been effective for patients with chronic pain conditions who find it difficult to sleep due to discomfort.
Medical marijuana’s is effective at reducing nausea and increasing appetite, making it a natural treatment for patients undergoing chemotherapy or dealing with HIV-related weight loss. What’s lesser known is just how effective it can be for patients struggling with other conditions that cause nausea or loss of appetite, such as Crohn’s disease or anorexia nervosa.
Cannabinoids interact with receptors in the brain that control hunger, providing relief and helping patients maintain their nutrition and energy levels.
If you’re considering medical marijuana and want to learn more about how it might improve your symptoms, contact us to schedule a consultation today. Our team provides personalized care designed to meet the needs of each patient.
